Used primarily as an intermediate in organic synthesis, this compound serves in the preparation of specialty chemicals such as pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and functionalized polymers. Its bifunctional nature—bearing both chlorine atoms and a ketone group—allows for selective reactions, enabling the construction of complex molecular frameworks. The chlorine atoms can be displaced in nucleophilic substitution reactions, while the carbonyl group supports transformations like reductions, condensations, or Grignard additions. It is also employed in the development of heterocyclic compounds through cyclization reactions, making it valuable in research and development settings for designing new bioactive molecules.